Understanding Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Delays 

A Quick Guide

All kids grow physically, socially and emotionally, cognitively, and linguistically at their own rates. A developmental delay may be indicated if a child significantly lags behind the norm in reaching milestones. Oftentimes, developmental delays are caused by cerebral palsy. In this article, we will discuss cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that creates difficulties with regular motor movement. It is a chronic condition that interferes with communication between the brain and muscles. Movement, muscle control, coordination, reflexes, posture, and equilibrium are all impacted by Cerebral Palsy. 

Damage to or abnormal growth in certain brain regions is the root cause of these difficulties. However, many children with Cerebral Palsy are intelligent. The intensity of Cerebral Palsy can vary, but it does not deteriorate over time. It also doesn’t get better with time. Although, children who receive a diagnosis and appropriate care can learn how to handle their condition.

Understanding normal development

Each child develops at their own rate. While some developmental delays in infancy will go away as a child gets older, missing significant developmental milestones may point to an undiagnosed neurological or movement disorder. One of the early indications that a kid may have cerebral palsy is delayed physical development. It could be a sign of something much more severe if parents are worried that their kid isn’t crawling, walking, or talking when they should be. Parents should seek the advice of medical professionals who can assess a child’s growth and make a prognosis. Developmental progress in children is divided into four major categories:

• Cognitive functioning
• Emotional growth
• Physical growth
• Social interaction

While some kids take longer to connect socially or emotionally, others may experience physical growth delays. Although every child is different, understanding what is deemed to be normal development will help parents spot any problems and act fast.

Typical stages of development

A typical sequence of physical, emotional, intellectual, and social milestones that most infants experience is referred to as “normal stages of growth.” These phases are established based on the common development of all kids. It’s crucial to remember that developmental milestones do not cover everything. Some kids may surpass a milestone sooner or later than anticipated, but they will still fall within the usual range. Consulting with your pediatrician is the best method to determine if your child is progressing as expected.

For infants ages 1-3 months

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Automatically and firmly clasps hands
• Crying because of discomfort and hunger
• Kicks jerkily while lying on the back
• Responds to light
• Starts to smile
• Still needs head support

For babies between 3 and 6 months

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Begins consuming soft meals
• Displays joy and pleasure
• Enjoys engaging in social activity
• Holds the head freely
• Sits with assistance
• Starts babbling and using “baby talk.”
• Uses body movement to communicate

For babies 6 to 9 months old

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Begins to link vowels
• Identifies faces
• Reacts to one’s own name
• Rolls over
• Sits without support
• Starts mouthing things
• Transfers items from one hand to another

For children ages 9-12 months

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Begins to crawl
• Can use their fingers separately from one another
• Has preferred games
• Knows their own name
• Mimics their parents
• Pays attention to what they see
• Performs a game of peek-a-boo
• Recognizes some actions
• Shows emotion
• Stands with assistance

For babies 12 to 18 months old

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Are able to pick up small things
• Can use markers and pencils
• Can use tools for eating
• Develops a vocabulary of up to twenty words
• Likes being read books
• Mimics movements and noises
• Responds to simple requests
• Starts walking on their own

For children ages 18 months and older:

Typical development for this age group is determined when a child:

• Can have temper outbursts
• Can hop on two feet
• Expresses affection
• Is able to climb stairs
• Plays imaginary games
• Plays with other people
• Says short sentences and has a better vocabulary
• Starts running
• Tosses balls

Evaluating Developmental Delays

The assessment of developmental delays often precedes a diagnosis of cerebral palsy for many parents of children with the disease. Consult your pediatrician if you notice delays in your child’s growth and think about having a specialist examine them. Some kids merely fall behind early and catch up later. If the problems continue, another issue is probably present.

Your child’s pediatrician might suggest a speech pathologist specialist who will assess your child by watching them perform basic tests and tasks. Physical examinations can reveal physical developmental delays, but more in-depth observations are typically needed to detect other kinds of delays. A developmental psychologist, a neurologist, and a developmental specialist may be needed for a thorough examination.

Cerebral Palsy is frequently characterized by developmental delays, but treatments can be beneficial. Your child’s development can be enhanced. And they can catch up with other kids by working with physical therapists, education experts, psychologists, and other professionals. The sooner you identify a developmental delay and begin receiving treatments and initiatives, the better the outcome will be.

What causes Cerebral Palsy in a child?

Cerebral Palsy develops when the brain regions that regulate motor function develop abnormally or are damaged. This may occur prior to or during childbirth (congenital Cerebral Palsy). Most instances of this condition are genetic. After delivery, CP can develop, but this is less frequent. This is known as acquired Cerebral Palsy, and an infection or a head injury typically causes it. The precise reason for CP is frequently unknown. It might be the outcome of an issue like:

• Genetic disorder
• Head trauma
• Infection
• Severe jaundice
• There is a lack of oxygen in the brain
• There is bleeding in the brain

How to diagnose Cerebral Palsy?

Typically, an infant does not get a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis until they are between the ages of 6 and 12 months. A child should be hitting developmental milestones at this time. These include hand and head movement, standing, walking, and sitting. The doctor will enquire about your child’s concerns and medical background. Your child will undergo a physical examination. Furthermore, additional exams for your child could include:

• A CT scan This examination creates detailed pictures of the body using X-rays and a computer. A CT scan can examine in great depth any area of the human body, such as the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. Compared to traditional X-rays, CT scans are much more detailed.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG). This evaluates cerebral electrical activity.
• Feeding studies. These examinations use X-rays or films to observe what transpires as food enters your child’s mouth and continues through swallowing.
• Gait lab analysis. This examines how your child walks.
• Genetic studies. These examinations search for diseases that may occur in families.
• Metabolic tests. These tests look for the absence of particular enzymes that are necessary to keep the body functioning normally.
• MRI. Large magnets and a computer are used in this imaging test to create precise pictures of the body’s organs and tissues. It does not make use of X-rays. This imaging exam frequently evaluates CP.
• Neurological examination.  This evaluates motor, cognitive, and reflex performance.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about developmental delays and cerebral palsy.

Read: Teaching Strategies For Students With Developmental Delays